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Fieldbus Host Registration Program
The Fieldbus Foundation's recently established Host Registration Program is a key initiative benefiting the global automation industry. Under the registration process, fieldbus hosts successfully completing the test requirements are authorized to bear the official Foundation product registration symbol.
In a Foundation fieldbus system, hosts may include configuration tools, recording devices, alarm display panels, Human-Machines Interfaces (HMIs), or systems with a combination of functionality.
The Fieldbus Foundation is one of the only automation industry organizations with a registration program requiring mandatory testing of critical elements of its technology. This effort now encompasses Foundation fieldbus host systems and field devices, as well as physical layer components such as power supplies and device couplers.
Understanding Host Profile Registration
The Fieldbus Foundation's previous Host Interoperability Support Test (HIST) provided a host test protocol with no provision for formal product registration. With HIST, the host vendor chose the implementation.
Under the new Host Profile Registration Process, the foundation conducts functional testing with a test device and specialized test Device Descriptions (DDs) and Capabilities Files (CFs). The host profile under test must support a clear set of required features.
Use of the Foundation Product Registration symbol in conjunction with a foundation-registered host is the manufacturer's representation that a sample of the product has successfully completed all requirements specified in the Host Profile Registration Process.
Support for Fieldbus Interoperability
Within the Fieldbus Foundation's automation infrastructure, interoperability is made possible by the fact that devices and software must conform to the same standard. Products bearing the Foundation Product Registration symbol have undergone a series of common tests audited by the Fieldbus Foundation. End users can select the best device for a specific measurement or control task, regardless of the manufacturer.
Host registration provides an extra measure of confidence that fieldbus systems incorporate the robust functionality of Foundation technology and are able to function as part of an open, interoperable control system. The Host Profile Registration Process is another example of the Fieldbus Foundation's commitment to full interoperability, and seamless integration, within a fieldbus environment.
For more information, and to view a complete list of registered Foundation fieldbus hosts, please visit the registered product page.
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